Turkey Trot a big hit in Folsom

Stephen PortenParticipants are off and running during the 5K race Thursday at the 2nd annual Folsom Turket Trot.

Stephen PortenCurtis Duncan of Shingle Springs gets into the spirit of the Turket Trot.

The second Folsom Turkey Trot was bigger and better than in its inaugural year, meaning more money was raised for the Twin Lakes Food Bank and the Never In Our Town Youth Scholarship.
More than 3,000 persons participated in the annual event, held Thursday morning under overcast skies after a day of rain on Wednesday.
“It was bigger, grander and smoother than last year,” Event Organizer Todd Drybread said. “We had about 1,900 run last year, so we had over 1,000 more run this year.”
Drybread said he wouldn’t know exactly how much money the Turkey Trot raised, but he’s confident that it will exceed last year’s total of $21,000.
Chris Herron of Pilot Hill was one of many participants from outside of Folsom. She said she wanted to get in some exercise before the pie.
”I usually run in the mornings so I thought this would be a good way to pre-burn off some calories,” Herron said. “I used to run in the Feed the Hungry run, but I’m glad they started this one up because it’s closer, not as crowded and there are a lot of families here.”
Kevin and Kristina Richardson and their two kids, Tyler, 13, and Emily, 11, also ran in the race before heading to Redwood City for their Thanksgiving Day celebration.
“My wife’s a runner so we delayed our trip to Redwood City to do this,” Kevin said.
Kristina, who had already went out for a 10-kilometer run prior to the Turkey Trot, was ready for a 5-kilometer run with her family.
“This teaches the kids about charity,” Kristina said, “You’ve got to give back. This is something we can do as a family. We’ve got to earn our calories for later.”
Kristina wasn’t worried about Tyler and Emily keeping up with her.
“They run a mile every Friday at school, plus they’re kids so they have a lot of energy. We got them hot chocolate too and sugar works.”
Folsom’s Steve and Caroline Hewitt came out to support the food bank.
“It’s something fun to do together,” Caroline said, “even though I’m running the 10K and he’s running the 5K.”
Steve jokingly added, “We’ll probably get back at the same time.”
The Dillons, Annie and Colin, who just moved to Folsom in September, came out to enjoy the event with their son, Ben, and 5-year-old-black lab, Barney.
“We’re out here for him,” Colin said. “He loves to run.”
Ben added, “That’s why he’s wearing the (Turkey Trot) T-shirt.”
“It’s something to do as a family,” Annie said. “I like to run and it’s good to get exercise.”
Deanna and Damion Jackson from Rancho Cordova also attended the run, Damion as a participant and Deanna as a spectator.
“I’m here supporting my husband,” Deanna said. “He’s running so we wouldn’t have to drive to the Bay Area for Thanksgiving.”
Instead the Jackson’s hosted Thanksgiving dinner at their house.